PROVIDENCE – HealthSource RI, the state’s health benefits exchange, announced that it will add contact center hours through this weekend after its telecommunications carrier experienced an equipment malfunction that caused downed lines Thursday.
The center will stay open late Friday and add weekend hours to ensure that eligible Rhode Islanders have the opportunity to sign up for health coverage this year and avoid a tax penalty for 2016.
HealthSource RI’s extended weekend schedule at the contact center:
- Friday, Jan. 22: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (Document and payment drop-off available until 5 p.m.)
- Saturday, Jan. 23: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Document and payment drop-off not available)
- Sunday, Jan. 24: Noon-6 p.m. (Document and payment drop-off not available)
Rhode Islanders have until Jan. 23 to choose a plan and pay their first month’s premium for individual and family health coverage beginning on Feb. 1. They have until Jan. 31 to choose a plan for coverage beginning on March 1, and have until Feb. 23 to pay their first month’s premium.
Financial assistance is available. HealthSource said in a release that nine out of 10 customers in 2015 were eligible for assistance. Choosing plans, including comparisons and payment, can be done online at HealthSourceRI.com or by calling (855) 840-4774. The annual Open Enrollment Period ends on Jan. 31.
